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Waterfall Glen Main Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate
 3.8 (32) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. IL
  3. …Chicago Metro Area
  4. …Darien
  5. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
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“This trail is a multi-use crushed limestone path around the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. ”

Ron Thomas
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Map Key

9.7

Miles

15.6

KM

Loop

772' 235 m

High

603' 184 m

Low

259' 79 m

Up

259' 79 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Open year-round from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Overview

A well kept crushed limestone trail that winds for almost 10 miles through the ~2,500 acres of Forest Preserve land that surrounds the Argonne National Laboratory.

Description

Start at the Trailhead Parking lot and begin hiking counter-clockwise along the enjoyable rolling terrain.

Early on you'll pass the infrequently used Tear-Thumb Trail. A few more miles brings hikers past a model airplane field and then a scenic overlook of the Des Plaines River. There's also a worthwhile side trip along the Rocky Glen Trail to see the waterfall constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.

Maps are generally available at the trailheads, but the route is fairly straightforward and easy to travel. When you've reached the end of the loop simply head back to your car.

Flora & Fauna

Kettles, Moraines, Prairie, Oak Savannah restoration areas and small Pine groves.

Contacts

Land Manager: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Shared By:

Ron Thomas
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Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 32 votes

#1

in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

#708

Overall
  3.8 from 32 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
31%
2 Star
9%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Waterfall Glen Forest…

#5

in Illinois

#708

Overall
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7,191 Since May 3, 2016
Easy/Intermediate
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Photos

I wide prairie view when out in the open during a paved road crossing after lots of tree cover.
Aug 29, 2022 near Lemont, IL
An algae covered pond along the Waterfall Glen Main Trail.
Nov 8, 2016 near Darien, IL
A little trail-side display of color.
Nov 8, 2016 near Darien, IL

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Check-Ins

Oct 9, 2022
David Neville
4h 00m
Oct 8, 2020
Demelza Willhite
Aug 25, 2020
Melissa Meinders
4.6mi — 1h 44m
Jul 3, 2020
Chris Skotnik
Jun 18, 2020
Sammie Bee
2mi
Mar 31, 2020
Howard McGee
Nice walk on a cool day 9.7mi — 3h 15m
Nov 10, 2019
Jim Bauman
Great hike group of 12 10.2mi — 4h 00m
Sep 18, 2019
Javier Lopez
9.7mi — 2h 56m

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